Assignment

Israel

3 BC

Gabriel dropped into the earth’s atmosphere at neck-breaking speed. The small blue and white bead in his view was growing larger by the second. The closer Gabriel approached, did more distinct colours of the planet Earth emerge- fields of blue ocean, patches of brown and green and scattered white. Today’s cloud cover was heavy. Despite it, landing would not be challenging for him; he had the room. He wasn’t too sure about the rest of the 72,000 Guardians in flight behind him. Their multiple numbers would demand careful calculation before they set foot on the earth.

This was a covert operation. For that reason, their forms had adapted for the mission. Their invisibility camouflage served as protection from their enemies, the shades-fallen angels that took part in the rebellion with Bel. Gabriel glanced behind his shoulder. He couldn’t see the Guardians. He smiled. That was a good thing. It meant the shades couldn’t see them either. As he whizzed past the ionosphere, he created a trail of light in the shimmering aurora borealis. The invisible Guardians following Gabriel’s lead created similar patterns despite their camouflage. Their descent was real and any movement that shifted the air around them was inevitable.

The Light was taking human form. Gabriel was appointed Guardian for a task involving this transformation. He was humbled to be of such honorary use to the Creator. Despite being overwhelmed by the privilege to carry out such a duty, the Chief Guardian had his own scepticism to deal with. Surely Elohim, the great Creator had grown desperate to do this. Was it really worth attempting? Earth was a hell-hole yet the Master’s words were clear. He would stay among the humans as he had prophesied with their prophets and he would save them from their sins. How he would do it remained the mystery of the ages. The revelation would be demystified. Yet Gabriel didn’t doubt The Light’s ability; it was His capacity to do so that he questioned. How could he? He knew the hostility of the humans he created yet he still pursued them. They were lowly creatures that rebelled not infrequently yet Elohim’s pardon and love for them outgrew their iniquity. How? Gabriel wasn’t alone in his confusion. The rest of the Guardians could not understand the Master’s plans either. Even if this was a love mission, becoming like the humans was a move to achieve what? They killed the oracles and the prophets before him. What if they killed him? The thought was ironic. How could the created kill the Creator? Judging by humanity’s history, Gabriel knew that they were unstoppable when their minds were bent to evil’s will. He smirked at the thought. He knew humans could go far in their ploys but if they dared touch the Creator, he would slaughter them all in one mass grave. The legions of angels had their tasks. Gabriel had his instructions too.

Find the priest and announce the forerunner. Find the virgin girl and announce the birth of The Light.

Gabriel’s sword was sheathed to his back. Like the legion, he was garbed in his helmet, breastplate, and apparel of war. He held a shield with his left hand that was the length of his body. It was engraved with the symbols of Elohim, The Light and the Spirit all over it.

Fire, wind and water

Gabriel and the Guardians zoomed past the mesosphere. They struck Gabriel’s wings felt the escalating heat of the combusting oxygen like a warm hand on a winter night. Angels were invincible. Gabriel and the 72,000 soon stood at the foot of a mountain on planet Earth. There was a brief stretch of barrenness, splotched with occasional thistles and bushes. It was followed by patches of vegetation and darkness that covered the land. The mountain in their rear stretched to the sky and touched the tip of the moonrise. Scattered above them and falling into the horizon before them were thousands of night stars, shinning in alternating glow. In the horizon was a town, evident by the lights and fires from the structures the humans had built. A thin arc of the sun drowned in the horizon behind the town. They had arrived at twilight; nightfall was nigh.

Gabriel turned to the Guardians.

“You will stand guard over this land until The Light is birthed. Then you will make the announcement to the shepherds at Midgal Eder. Hadriel, you’re in charge.”

“And you’re certain this is the town, Gabriel?” Hadriel asked.

“Yes,” Gabriel affirmed, “This is where the virgin girl abodes, with her parents. Your protection over her life begins as soon as I make my announcement.”

With this, Gabriel and the legions poured into the town, seeking a teenager by the name of Mary.

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